Reign Academy’s Sakura Yoshida Called Up for International Duty with U.S. U-20 WNT

Reign Academy midfielder Sakura “Sakky” Yoshida has been called up to play with the U.S. U-20 Women’s National Team at the La Manga Tournament in Spain.

“I’m super excited and honored to get the opportunity to go to La Manga, Spain with the U-20 WNT,” said Yoshida. “I’m looking forward to playing with and against some of the top players in the world. I hope I’m able to represent Reign FC, the U-20s, and the United States well.”

The U20 team will travel to La Manga, Spain from February 24 – March 6 to play its first three international matches of the year at the Women’s U19 La Manga Tournament. It is the U20s’ second tournament after December’s Nike International Friendlies as the team continues in the early stages of the 2019-20 cycle with the goal of qualifying for the 2020 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup.

“We are proud to have Sakky representing the U.S. in Spain – it is a testament to her hard work, passion, and dedication to the game,” said Reign Academy head coach and Reign FC assistant coach Sam Laity. “Sakky has been brilliant with the Academy. Often the first to arrive and last to leave, her love of the game is evident in the way that she performs day in, day out.”

The USA will face the U19 sides from Germany on March 1, France on March 3, and Sweden on March 7 in La Manga. The tournament will feature 14 countries. In addition to the USA and its three opponents, China, Denmark, England, Iceland, Italy, Netherlands, Scotland, Spain, and Switzerland will also participate.

Upon her return from the tournament in Spain, Sakky will join Reign FC in its pre-season camp. Sakky is the first Reign Academy player to have the opportunity to earn a spot with the first team.

“We believe Sakky has the potential to play at the next level and are excited to see how she performs with the first team in March,” said Laity.

“My goal is become the first homegrown player for the Reign organization,” said Yoshida. “I feel humbled to get the opportunity to join the first team for preseason and it is getting me one step closer to my dream.”